Charlie Parker

The Original Recordings of Charlie Parker is a compilation of 12 tracks recorded by Charlie Parker during his years with the Verve label. The CD isn't in chronological order or even comprehensive enough to deem it a "best of." That is not to say that this album doesn't contain some phenomenal recordings; it does. Bird features some of Parker's best, including "Now's the Time," "Blues for Alice," and "K.C. Blues" (the latter is a collaboration with Miles Davis). In addition to the 11 studio tracks, it also has a 12-minute live version of "Lester Leaps In" which features the tune's composer, Lester Young. Since most Charlie Parker fans will have these songs on other discs, they can probably skip this one. However, this is a decent place to start for those looking for an introduction to Parker or bebop.

Charlie Parker Records: The Complete Collection, Vol. 19 - Charlie Parker - ‘Bird’ Symbols (2012 CP Records 233193/19 rec 1946-47}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 148 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 91 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (jpg) -> 62 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1946-47, 2012 Charlie Parker Records / Membran Media / Documents | 233193 / 19
Jazz / Bop / Saxophone

Exhaustive 30 CD collection from the Jazz legend's short-lived label. Contains 44 original albums (421 tracks) plus booklet. Every record-collector has run across an album with the little sax-playing bird in it's label-logo, right next to the brand name Charlie Parker Records or CP Parker Records. Turning the sleeve over, especially if it was one of the non-Parker releases, and seeing a '60s release date under the header Stereo-pact! Was as exciting an experience as it was confusing. Was the claim Bird Lives meant more literally than previously thought?

Charlie Parker - Story On Dial Vol. 1 - West Coast Days (2016) {SHM-CD UCCU-5769 rec 1946-1947}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 256 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 126 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (jpg) -> 61 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1946-47, 2016 Dial / Universal Japan | UCCU-5769
Jazz / Bop / Saxophone

The Kansas City alto saxophonist Charlie Parker, who was to post-second-world-war jazz what Louis Armstrong had been to its first wave, is as likely to be remembered today for his heroin habit and early death than for his exquisite and melodically stunning improvising. If that era's jazz is like journalism, Parker was its acutely observant war reporter, who kept coming back from the front of his own exploding world with new stories to tell.

Charlie Parker - Charlie Parker With Strings (2015) {2CD Set Verve Deluxe Edition B0022596-02 rec 1947-1952}
XLD rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 706 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 336 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (jpg) -> 226 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1947-52, 2015 Verve / UMG | B0022596-02
Jazz / BeBop / Bop / Saxophone

Recorded between 1947 and 1952, the Charlie Parker With Strings albums showcased the legendary bebop saxophonist performing standards and ballads backed by a small classical string ensemble and jazz rhythm section. Although somewhat controversial when first released, the strings sessions are largely considered landmarks for orchestral jazz productions and rank among the best albums in Parker's discography.

Cecil Payne - performing Charlie Parker Music + The Connection (2012) {Charlie Parker Records, The Complete Collection, Vol 1, rec 1961-1962}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 403 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 162 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (jpg) -> 59 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1961-62, 2012 Charlie Parker Records / Membran Media / Documents | 233193 / 1
Jazz / Bebop / Hard Bop / Baritone Saxophone

Exhaustive 30 CD collection from the Jazz legend's short-lived label. Contains 44 original albums (421 tracks) plus booklet. Every record-collector has run across an album with the little sax-playing bird in it's label-logo, right next to the brand name Charlie Parker Records or CP Parker Records. Turning the sleeve over, especially if it was one of the non-Parker releases, and seeing a '60s release date under the header Stereo-pact! Was as exciting an experience as it was confusing. Was the claim Bird Lives meant more literally than previously thought?